APGA calls on governments to act now to develop a comprehensive and technology-neutral national energy policy to remove the supply uncertainties highlighted in the 2016 National Gas Forecasting Report issued today.

APGA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said that while the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) report predicted a shift to lower-emissions gas-fired power generation, that transition hinged on the question of sufficient supply.

“It is very concerning that AEMO is flagging that gas supply may be sufficiently constrained that it will be more economic to refurbish older coal power stations rather than build new gas power stations,” Ms Cartwright said.

“The solution to the gas demand-supply imbalance is getting more gas into the system. Removing the moratoria on the extraction of gas that applies in States such as Victoria would assist in increasing gas supply, but this is not the complete solution and further development is needed.

“Without a clear energy policy, generators will have no guidance on investment decisions, and that threatens the security of our energy system, so the transition to a low-emissions future is likely to result in higher costs for energy users.”

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/12/08/ministers-must-act-on-gas-supply/feed/0Gas bans a risk to Victorian energy securityhttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/11/23/gas-bans-a-risk-to-victorian-energy-security/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/11/23/gas-bans-a-risk-to-victorian-energy-security/#commentsTue, 22 Nov 2016 23:19:05 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=26314Victoria’s decision to move ahead with legislating a permanent ban on unconventional gas extraction is extremely disappointing, risking the State’s economic future, APGA said today. At a time when increasing the proportion of natural gas in our national energy mix would do much to cut Australia’s carbon emissions, the Victorian Government today introduced legislation that […]

At a time when increasing the proportion of natural gas in our national energy mix would do much to cut Australia’s carbon emissions, the Victorian Government today introduced legislation that will make the smooth transition to a low carbon future much more difficult.

Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said the move, which would also lengthen the ban on onshore conventional gas exploration to 2020, confirmed that Victoria was abrogating its responsibilities to the nation’s energy security.

“All participants in the East Coast gas market are working on finding a solution to the current situation where demand for gas exceeds supply,” Ms Cartwright said.

“The solution is to increase the supply of gas, not cut off the possibility of extracting it.

“Victoria must play no further role in deciding the national gas policy if it refuses to contribute to the shared responsibility participation requires.”

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/11/23/gas-bans-a-risk-to-victorian-energy-security/feed/0Broader focus needed to bring more gas to consumershttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/26/broader-focus-needed-to-bring-more-gas-to-consumers/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/26/broader-focus-needed-to-bring-more-gas-to-consumers/#commentsWed, 26 Oct 2016 01:36:12 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=26087The Australian pipeline industry today called on policy-makers to broaden their focus from pipeline regulation to consider policies that would increase the gas available to both domestic and manufacturing consumers. Increasing the supply of gas would ensure more efficient operation of markets, continuing infrastructure development, and help address the current imbalance where demand was outstripping […]

]]>The Australian pipeline industry today called on policy-makers to broaden their focus from pipeline regulation to consider policies that would increase the gas available to both domestic and manufacturing consumers.

Increasing the supply of gas would ensure more efficient operation of markets, continuing infrastructure development, and help address the current imbalance where demand was outstripping supply, APGA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said.

“Unfortunately, the current policy priority seems to be gas transmission pipelines rather than gas supply,” Ms Cartwright said.

“The regulatory changes that have been proposed affect only the cost of transmission which amounts to as little as 5 per cent, and at most 15 per cent, of the cost of delivered gas,” Ms Cartwright said.

“It’s worth noting that gas transmission prices haven’t increased in real terms in more than a decade.”

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/26/broader-focus-needed-to-bring-more-gas-to-consumers/feed/0SEA Gas Chief elected to Boardhttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/12/sea-gas-chief-elected-to-board/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/12/sea-gas-chief-elected-to-board/#commentsWed, 12 Oct 2016 05:59:17 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25979The new Chief Executive Officer of SEA Gas, Wendy Oldham, has been elected to the Board of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association. Ms Oldham took over the helm of natural gas transmission pipeline owner and operator SEA Gas earlier this year after 15 years as General Manager of APA Group’s pipeline systems in the […]

]]>The new Chief Executive Officer of SEA Gas, Wendy Oldham, has been elected to the Board of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association.

Ms Oldham took over the helm of natural gas transmission pipeline owner and operator SEA Gas earlier this year after 15 years as General Manager of APA Group’s pipeline systems in the Northern Territory

SEA Gas owns and operates the 680km SEA Gas pipeline which connects Port Campbell in Victoria to Adelaide, and the Mortlake Pipeline System which connects Iona to Mortlake in Victoria.

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/12/sea-gas-chief-elected-to-board/feed/0Highlights from Convention papershttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/highlights-from-convention-papers/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/highlights-from-convention-papers/#commentsMon, 10 Oct 2016 08:33:47 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25966APGA will publish on the website highlights from selected papers presented at the 2016 APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition being held in Perth. Check this link for updates throughout the convention. Highlights from Convention papers 2016.

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/highlights-from-convention-papers/feed/0Vision and drive make an outstanding contributionhttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/vision-and-drive-make-an-outstanding-contribution/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/vision-and-drive-make-an-outstanding-contribution/#commentsMon, 10 Oct 2016 04:47:25 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25926Australia’s most recognised pipeliner, APA Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mick McCormack, was today recognised by his peers for the outstanding contribution he has made to the pipeline industry. Mick was awarded the 2016 APGA Outstanding Contribution to the Pipeline Industry Award for a range of activities across the pipeline industry during his […]

]]>Australia’s most recognised pipeliner, APA Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mick McCormack, was today recognised by his peers for the outstanding contribution he has made to the pipeline industry.

Mick was awarded the 2016 APGA Outstanding Contribution to the Pipeline Industry Award for a range of activities across the pipeline industry during his 32-year career.

At the helm of APA Group since 2005, Mick has taken the company to one of the top 30 listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with interests in more than 15,000km of pipelines and 3450km of distribution networks.

His vision of an east coast gas grid, a term he first coined in the early 2000s, is now a reality that provides flexibility that encourages the use of gas, helping to keep the price down for all consumers.

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/vision-and-drive-make-an-outstanding-contribution/feed/0Managing stakeholders and mentoring young pipeliners earns awardhttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/managing-stakeholders-and-mentoring-young-pipeliners-earns-award/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/managing-stakeholders-and-mentoring-young-pipeliners-earns-award/#commentsMon, 10 Oct 2016 04:42:42 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25923A practical approach to problem-solving, a commitment to maintaining relationships with stakeholders and dedication to bringing young people through the industry have earned pipeliner Phil Perkins the 2016 Jeff Shepherd Award for Construction Excellence. Phil’s career spans more than 40 years and covers large parts of the country. He is currently Construction Manager for Spiecapag […]

A practical approach to problem-solving, a commitment to maintaining relationships with stakeholders and dedication to bringing young people through the industry have earned pipeliner Phil Perkins the 2016 Jeff Shepherd Award for Construction Excellence.

Phil’s career spans more than 40 years and covers large parts of the country. He is currently Construction Manager for Spiecapag Lucas on APA Group’s Victorian Northern Interconnect Expansion Project,

During Phil’s career, he has undertaken a variety of roles for both clients and contractors. In particular he has been a leader in planning and routing pipelines and worked in all field activities. His very practical approach to problem-solving is well known.

The Jeff Shepherd Award was established in honour of the inspirational pipeliner it is named after, who was widely recognised for his contribution to pipeline construction and especially for his his mentoring and training skills, ensuring young people had the experiences they needed.

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/managing-stakeholders-and-mentoring-young-pipeliners-earns-award/feed/0A passion for industry best practice produces resultshttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/a-passion-for-industry-best-practice-produces-results/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/a-passion-for-industry-best-practice-produces-results/#commentsMon, 10 Oct 2016 04:37:51 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25932A sound knowledge of legislative requirements, attention to detail, a methodical and disciplined approach and a passion to pursue industry best practice have earned Simon Archibald the 2016 APGA Young Achievement Award. Simon began his working life in community services, particularly in disability support, but moved to the resources industry 10 years ago. In his […]

A sound knowledge of legislative requirements, attention to detail, a methodical and disciplined approach and a passion to pursue industry best practice have earned Simon Archibald the 2016 APGA Young Achievement Award.

Simon began his working life in community services, particularly in disability support, but moved to the resources industry 10 years ago.

In his current position for Lucas Construction and Engineering as Project Safety Manager – Pipeline Projects, Simon has been responsible for four consecutive pipeline projects, beginning with the QCLNG Trunklines North project in 2013, then the QGP S2 Expansion Project, the Eastern Goldfields Pipeline and he is now working on the Victorian Northern Interconnect Expansion.

In his work on these projects, Simon has brought clear structure to project safety systems and has set about embedding these systems from the top down across the business. This has prevented injuries, with a combined result of more than over 1,300,000 hours worked without a lost time injury across the four projects.

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/a-passion-for-industry-best-practice-produces-results/feed/0Real stories boost vehicle safetyhttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/real-stories-boost-vehicle-safety/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/real-stories-boost-vehicle-safety/#commentsMon, 10 Oct 2016 04:23:59 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25929A campaign aimed at reducing the single greatest safety risk at Australia’s largest natural gas infrastructure business has taken out the 2016 APGA Safety Award. SafeDrive+ Arrive Alive was introduced by APA Group to reduce the significant risk posed to its employees and their passengers who cover more than 17 million kilometres a year in […]

APGA President Shaun Reardonpresents the award to APA Group’sRichard Morgan

A campaign aimed at reducing the single greatest safety risk at Australia’s largest natural gas infrastructure business has taken out the 2016 APGA Safety Award.

SafeDrive+ Arrive Alive was introduced by APA Group to reduce the significant risk posed to its employees and their passengers who cover more than 17 million kilometres a year in around 750 vehicles.

The centrepiece of SafeDrive+ Arrive Alive is a number of videos featuring real APA Group employees who talk about their experiences. The videos were developed after feedback from APA Group employees who indicated they would listen to the advice of their peers.

Instead of using commercially available road and driver safety videos, APA looked for volunteers among its own employees who were willing to share their experiences for the benefit of their colleagues.

]]>http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/real-stories-boost-vehicle-safety/feed/0Multi-skilling environmental consultancy collects awardhttp://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/multi-skilling-environmental-consultancy-collects-award/ http://www.apga.org.au/blog/2016/10/10/multi-skilling-environmental-consultancy-collects-award/#commentsMon, 10 Oct 2016 04:14:54 +0000http://www.apga.org.au/?p=25919An environmental consultancy which has multi-skilled its staff members to undertake tasks as diverse as operating a chainsaw and spotting and catching fauna has won the APGA 2016 Environment Award. The Multi-skilled Environmental Management Solution, dubbed the CNC Solution, developed by CNC Project Management, was the company’s response to the increasing costs of compliance associated […]

An environmental consultancy which has multi-skilled its staff members to undertake tasks as diverse as operating a chainsaw and spotting and catching fauna has won the APGA 2016 Environment Award.

The Multi-skilled Environmental Management Solution, dubbed the CNC Solution, developed by CNC Project Management, was the company’s response to the increasing costs of compliance associated with the requirement for people to have specific certification or qualifications to undertake certain tasks.

Rather than assign several specialists to a single project, CNC developed a new way of looking at skillsets and decided to multi-skill its staff so that they could individually undertake a range of environmental tasks on a single project.